Free A Question of Impropriety by Michelle Styles Page A

wondered how much he was being spurred on by his desire to antagonise his old rival. ‘And you discussed this with Lord Coltonby?’
    â€˜They delivered it today. I could hardly discuss it before I had the engine.’ Simon advanced towards the big black machine, and ran his hand down its side. ‘Hedley is right. The only way an engine will work is to be free running, not on a ratchet system.’
    â€˜And how much will it cost? Who are the other investors? You have to be practical, Simon.’ Diana crossed her arms, and refused to let her brother divert her attention.
    â€˜Not if I run it along the old wagon-way. I worked it all out in my mind. It can be done. The old staith can be reopened. And I will have no over-privileged aristocrat telling me how to run my business.’
    â€˜Simon!’ Diana said through gritted teeth. ‘You are behaving in a high-handed fashion. You will antagonise him. I remember the quarrels you had with Sir Cuthbert.’
    â€˜But he had learnt the errors of his way. Common sense prevailed.’
    â€˜Only because he needed money.’ Diana drew a breath.She would have to explain about her encounter earlier and what she had seen. ‘Lord Coltonby is different. He isn’t intent on drinking the port cellar dry and gambling away his inheritance.’
    â€˜What on earth are you talking about Diana? I knew Coltonby at university. Gaming and drinking are the man’s life. He was a seven-bottle man. And I could not count the number of card tables he graced, how many brawls he was involved in.’
    â€˜University was a long time ago. It strikes me that he is someone who you would want to have as an ally, not as an enemy.’
    â€˜He was the over-privileged son of an earl. He threw his weight around. Humiliated me. And I refuse to bow to his wishes and desires. He is not getting one inch of my ground until he has sweated blood for it.’
    Diana stared at the large black machine. She had never realised how deeply Simon’s experiences at university had affected him. But she had also heard the passion in Lord Coltonby’s voice when he spoke of his estate and his desire to do something with it. There was more to the man, if only Simon would see it.
    â€˜Simon, you need to grow up and think beyond what happened to you all those years ago.’
    Brother and sister glared at each other. Finally, Simon looked away. He loosened his stock. ‘Once I get The Duke to run properly, I will see whether I need that strip of land. If not, I will sell it to him for the going rate, not some paltry sum. I only offered it as a sop to Biddlestone when he said he might invest in the engine. Does that satisfy you?’
    â€˜It will have to.’ Her stays seemed to pinch more tightly than before and a pain developed behind the back of Diana’s eyes. Simon had decided to set himself on a collision course with Lord Coltonby and that did not bode well for anyone.She concentrated on the engine. ‘But why are you calling it The Duke? After the Duke of Northumberland? One of the royal Dukes? Are you hoping for investment?’
    â€˜No, because it is noisy and belches quite frequently.’ Simon gave a brilliant smile. ‘The steam pressure needs to be high. Nearly to the breaking point of the boiler.’
    Diana watched her brother with a sinking heart. Stubborn and unwilling to listen to reason. There were times when she wanted to shake him. He thought he could ride rough shod over everyone and every thing in his path. He did not mind the enemies he made as long as the business prospered. Some day, he would realise that there was more to life than proving his business acumen. ‘Simon, there are those who doubt that anyone can make a reliable travelling engine.’
    â€˜I will do it. When have I ever failed with machines?’ He caught both her hands. Simon gave a lightning quick smile, transforming his features and making him more